Hear the expression “long in the tooth” and maturing adults with worn, discolored, or missing teeth probably come to mind. That’s because as we age, we are more likely than ever to be dealing with cumulative tooth and mouth issues. And that timing couldn’t be worse. Our teeth, after all, are the gateway to the rest of our bodies; they need to be healthy when we are most vulnerable to illness.

Getting older and gaining wisdom may go hand in hand, but age doesn't matter when it comes to dental care. If there are seniors in your family, encourage them to stay ahead of the curve on their dentist visits.

Dental implants are fast being considered the preferred treatment for replacing lost teeth. An alternative to dentures, dental implants typically last a lifetime, with a failure rate of less than five percent, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS).

If youre a senior heading for a dental care checkup, odds are the visit is due to some dental health symptom you just cant ignore anymore. Considering that nearly half of Americans age 65 and older have lost at least six teeth to tooth decay or gum disease, your dentist is bound to ask some important questions to determine the state of your dental healtha sensitive topic (quite literally) for most seniors.

As you get older, there are many things that you need to focus on, like the health of your joints, heart and maintaining a healthy weight. While you're doing all you can to protect your body as you age, it's important to remember that the way you care for your teeth should change when you enter your golden years.